WASHINGTON (AP) -- Republicans mounted a combative, coordinated drive Monday to salvage Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination as they fought to keep a second woman's allegation of long-ago sexual misconduct from derailing his confirmation. President Donald Trump leapt to his defense, the top Senate Republican accused Democrats of a "smear campaign" and an emotional Kavanaugh pledged to fight for his nomination and proclaimed, "I've never sexually assaulted anyone."

That declaration, remarkable for a nominee to the nation's highest court, came as Republicans embraced their newly aggressive stance and Kavanaugh's prospects dangled precariously. The similar tones and wording they used in defending him suggested a concerted effort to undermine the women's claims and portray an image of unity among GOP senators while pressing toward a confirmation vote.

In the run-up to an appearance by Kavanaugh and his main accuser at a dramatic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Trump called the accusations "totally political" and among "the single most unfair, unjust things to happen to a candidate for anything." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., angrily accused Democrats of slinging "all the mud they could manufacture" and promised a full Senate vote soon, but specified no date.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., retorted that if McConnell believed the allegations were a smear, "Why don't you call for an FBI investigation?" Schumer accused Republicans of "a rush job to avoid the truth."

The only real question is will all the Republican Senators vote to confirm him?

Not before the mid-terms... we have 2 accusers waiting in the wings who must be heard... the latest, in 48 hours, will have "evidence".

They'll continue to trot them out and delay until after the mid-terms... I might be wrong, but everyone around here is shocked the Muller investigation is ongoing, and I'd almost bet the farm it will do so through the 2020 general election- that's the purpose of these farces...

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., retorted that if McConnell believed the allegations were a smear, "Why don't you call for an FBI investigation?"

Oh, Chuck, we will.

After Kavanaugh is seated, I want a FBI investigation of Diane FineSlime's last-minute smear, outside of the rules of the Senate. And I want an FBI investigation of Blowsey Ford for filing false reports and perjury. And I want an FBI investigation of Avanetti.

I would close all hearings to the public, and offer outside video feeds instead.

It will be "public", but Grassley has caved again to Ford and her lawyer's demands and have agreed to hold the hearing in the much smaller Dirksen Senate Office hearing room, instead of the usual (and larger) Hart building. This will limit the media present, but it will still be televised.

52
posted on 09/25/2018 7:32:46 AM PDT
by SkyPilot
("I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6)

Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.